Light Pillars, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Light Pillars, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China - OPOD

Light pillars are a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon that can create a mesmerizing spectacle in the night sky. In Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China, photographer Zhenmaocao captured stunning images of these light pillars, showcasing their beauty and allure. Let's delve into the details of this captivating natural phenomenon.

Light pillars are formed when hexagonal plate-shaped ice crystals float at low levels in the icy atmosphere. These ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting the ground lights back towards the observer. The collective glints from these crystals create an illusion of vertical beams of light shooting up into the sky.

The icy conditions in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, provide the perfect environment for the formation of light pillars. As the temperature drops and moisture freezes in the air, these hexagonal ice crystals form and begin to drift in the atmosphere. When artificial lights from the ground shine upon them, they reflect and refract the light, producing the stunning vertical columns of light.

One of the most intriguing aspects of light pillars is their ability to create optical illusions. From a distance, it may appear as if there are actual beams of light shooting upwards into the sky. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that these pillars are merely a reflection of ground lights by the ice crystals. This illusion can be both awe-inspiring and perplexing, captivating observers with its ethereal beauty.

The images captured by Zhenmaocao in Xilinhot showcase the enchanting display of light pillars against the backdrop of the night sky. The vibrant colors and distinct columns of light create a surreal atmosphere, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. It is a reminder of the remarkable wonders that nature can unveil when we least expect it.

Light pillars are not exclusive to Xilinhot or Inner Mongolia; they can occur in various cold regions around the world. In fact, they have been observed in different countries, including Canada, Russia, and Finland. Each location offers its unique blend of atmospheric conditions and ground lights, resulting in different variations of this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

To fully appreciate the beauty of light pillars, it is best to observe them on clear, cold nights when the conditions are ideal for their formation. The stillness of the air and the absence of strong winds allow the ice crystals to remain suspended in the atmosphere, creating a stable environment for the pillars to form and persist.

In conclusion, light pillars are a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that can transform the night sky into a mesmerizing spectacle. The images captured in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China, by Zhenmaocao serve as a testament to the allure and beauty of these vertical columns of light. Whether it is the illusion of beams shooting into the sky or the vibrant colors they display, light pillars never fail to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the wonders of nature. So, next time you find yourself in a cold region on a clear night, keep an eye out for these enchanting pillars of light that may grace the sky above you.

Light Pillars, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia

Images in China by Zhenmaocao.

Hexagonal plate-shaped ice crystals drifting at low levels in the icy atmosphere reflect back ground lights. Their collective glints give the illusion of upward beams of light.

Images ©Zhenmaocao, shown with permission

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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